What is a Municipal Heritage Committee?

Heritage Chatham-Kent, a Municipal Heritage Committee (formerly the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, LACAC) is a committee of Chatham-Kent Municipal Council. .The passage of the Ontario Heritage Act in 1975 established the responsibility of governments to identify and conserve our built and natural heritage. From this Act the concept of LACACs emerged. In 2003, the Heritage Act was changed to better define the body as the Municipal Heritage Committee. The MHC  is comprised of Chatham-Kent citizens appointed as volunteers who carry out the task of conserving this heritage.

Why have a Municipal Heritage Committee?

Our inheritance of architecture, cultural and natural landscape is an important and irreplaceable asset and resource. The conservation of these resources is fundamental to creating community pride and identity, attracting new residents and tourism, all of which have important economic impacts on our community. The benefits of conservation of this heritage occur not only to the present generation, but also to generations to come.

Functions of Municipal Heritage Committee?

When a Municipal Heritage Committee, or MHC, is established, it becomes a committee of Municipal Council and an integral part of the municipal structure. Heritage Chatham-Kent (MHC) is representative of the community and is recognized as the legitimate vehicle for coordinating and conveying community concerns. It can and should play an important role in enabling the community to participate more directly in the decision making process. In this capacity, Heritage Chatham-Kent (MHC) supports the Community Strategic Plan and its leadership.

In general, the role of Heritage Chatham-Kent (MHC) is a dual responsibility.

To the Municipality:

• MHC advises Council on heritage issues as defined by the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act.

To the citizens of Chatham-Kent:

• MHC helps ensure that plans for change and progress are developed in a manner that recognizes the historical continuity of the community.

It is also the desire and aim of the committee to fulfill the following key functions:

• Develop a resource base of heritage and designated properties.
• Facilitate the community's interest and involvement in heritage conservation through a recognized forum.
• Educate the community on how to encourage a conservation ethic and a climate of responsible stewardship of the community's heritage assets.
• Assist property owners in appropriate conservation and maintenance practices.
• Provide input to the development of land use plans.
• Advise Council on Municipally, Provincially, and Nationally owned historic sites within Chatham-Kent.
• Advise Council on designated property grant and loans programs.
• Remain knowledgeable on and advise Council on changes to the Ontario Heritage Act.

Further detail on these points and more can be found in the Heritage Chatham-Kent  (MHC) Mandate Statement and Terms of Reference.

Your Municipal Heritage Committee

Heritage Chatham-Kent, the Municipal Heritage Committee, is composed of citizens of Chatham-Kent who represent the Municipality and who demonstrate a strong commitment to the mandate of the committee. The members are appointed by the Chatham-Kent Council and represent a broad range of technical and professional expertise as well as being strong advocates. Every attempt is made to attract and appoint a cross section of citizens from each of the Wards within Chatham-Kent, ensuring that all communities have knowledgeable representation on the committee.

The term of a committee member is three years coinciding with the term of the Council that has made the appointment. The Ontario Heritage Act stipulates that there must be a minimum of 5 appointees on the committee.

Affiliate Members  .  .  .  .  .  .  we want you!

Heritage Chatham-Kent welcomes all interested citizens of Chatham-Kent to apply to the committee as affiliate members. These individuals can comprise of owners of designated properties or those who are interested in the heritage of Chatham-Kent.

As an affiliate member you

• will be included on the Heritage Chatham-Kent (MHC) mailing list, receiving all agendas, minutes, and other circulated materials.
• may submit items of concern and/or reports for inclusion on the agenda.
• are welcome to attend all meetings.
• are welcome to participate in any committee special projects and/or events

Meetings

Third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm, Chatham Public Library (note this date, as the time and place could change. Please contact the Civic Centre for confirmation if you are planning on attending.

How to Contact Us

Use the Request for Designation or Information form located in the Links section of the Resources page or contact the:

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Planning and Development Department.
Phone:  519-360-1998
Email:  CKplanning@chatham-kent.ca
 

Staff will be happy to direct your inquiry to the appropriate Municipal personnel or committee member.